JAKKS Pacific, Dentsu and Bandai Team Up On Monsuno

JAKKS Pacific and Bandai have teamed up to create he toy line based on the Monsuno boys action adventure series. The Monsuno original animated television series is in production by Pacific Animation Partners a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific and Dentsu. Bandai will exclusively distribute and market toys based upon the Monsuno television series in Japan under an agreement between Bandai and Dentsu, and JAKKS Pacific will manufacture the Monsuno toys to be distributed by Bandai in Japan.

“The strong reception we have received thus far for Monsuno in international markets underscores our belief that Monsuno is poised to become an outstanding international boys’ action adventure property,” said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “We are thrilled to have Bandai on board to make Monsunotoys available to audiences in Japan and we look forward to adapting the U.S. toy line for the Japanese market, evoking all the action, adventure and fun of the Monsuno experience. Our goal is to reach as many fans around the world as possible, and connect them to Monsuno in meaningful ways.”

Bandai joins the roster of international distributors for Monsuno toys, which also include the Giochi Preziosi Group for Europe, Hunter Products for Australia, Planet Fun for New Zealand and Prima Toys for South Africa.

The Monsuno series is an epic boys action adventure where kids discover, command and battle creatures with destructive potential. A race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between a group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the planet. Built around powerful, action-driven animation, dynamic characters and a deeply woven original story mythology, Monsuno is anticipated to develop into a powerful force in the boys action arena for years to come. Targeting boys 6 – 11, the Monsuno series will be supported by a JAKKS Pacific toy line featuring innovative, kid-controlled action figures, accessories, playsets, collectibles, electronics and integrated role play.

Nickelodeon will launch the series to audiences on owned channels in the United States, Latin America, the United Kingdom, key European and Eastern European territories, Australia and New Zealand, India, Southeast Asia, Russia and Africa. The Monsuno series will first launch in the U.S. on Nicktoons, the fast-growing kids’ network, and select English speaking countries.

JAKKS Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line, which is expected to hit U.S. retail shelves to coincide with the U.S. TV series premiere anticipated for Spring 2012. The Topps Company has signed on to produce Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products.